Machine Learning Helps Out Citizen Scientists

Machine learning could help complete research tasks usually given to citizen scientists. A new study shows how teaching a computer specific image recognition skills can be used in projects that require classification of large amounts of image data. For years scientists have taken advantage of volunteers who help them sort through massive datasets that are too large for small research teams. Previously this work was needed to be done by humans because the technology for a machine to do it didn't exist. But that is all about to change.